Floodlight Control Apparatus for ToF Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical distance measurement systems, particularly those using the Time of Flight (ToF) method, face challenges in reducing power consumption when mounted in mobile devices like smartphones, as they require efficient light projection without unnecessary power usage.
Innovation Solution
A floodlight control apparatus that differentiates light projection amounts based on object detection presence or absence, adjusts projection modes between detection and non-detection regions, and controls light projection frequency and power to minimize power consumption, allowing for efficient distance measurement and object detection without separate imaging parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light projection amount is increased to ensure accurate distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light projection control by adjusting the light projection amount and projection frequency based on real-time object detection results. When an object is detected, the system increases light projection to the detection region while reducing or stopping projection in non-detection regions, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that balances measurement accuracy with power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by differentiating light projection between detection regions and non-detection regions. The control unit selectively projects light only to regions where objects are detected, using higher projection amounts in detection regions while using lower or zero projection in non-detection regions, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and power consumption locally across different spatial areas
2Measurement precision
If light projection frequency is increased to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light projection frequency based on object detection status. When objects are detected, the control unit increases projection frequency in detection regions while reducing or stopping projection in non-detection regions, creating a dynamic frequency adaptation that maintains measurement accuracy where needed while saving power elsewhere
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the field of view into detection regions and non-detection regions based on object detection results. The control unit then applies different projection frequencies to each segment, using higher frequencies in detection regions and lower or zero frequencies in non-detection regions, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and power consumption across different spatial segments
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging parts are added to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light receiving part perform multiple functions: it not only receives reflected light for distance measurement but also detects objects by analyzing the presence and position of reflected light patterns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging parts, maintaining object detection capability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing light projecting and light receiving components to perform object detection without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware. The control unit analyzes the light receiving signals to determine object presence and position, allowing the system to self-service its detection needs using already-present components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power consumption during both object non-detection and detection states, enabling efficient distance measurement and detection of new objects within the measurable range while minimizing unnecessary light projection, thus enhancing power efficiency and reducing system components and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving part which is provided with a plurality of light receiving elements which receives reflected light of light being projected by a light projecting part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a floodlight control apparatus including a light receiving part which is provided with a plurality of light receiving elements which receives reflected light of light projected by a light projecting part, and an object detecting part which performs object detection targeted within a distance measurable range which is a range where the light receiving part is operable to receive the reflected light. The floodlight control apparatus further includes a control part which performs control of differentiating a light projection amount provided by the light projecting part in accordance with detection presence/absence of an object performed by the object detecting part and in a case where the object detecting part detects the object, differentiating a projection mode of the light projecting part between a detection region and a non-detection region of the object.